Here to Keep You Smiling Meet Dr Tony Franklin, Lead Dentist
Recently, our Toowoomba practice was lucky enough to welcome Dr Tony Franklin to the team, as our new Lead Dentist. A highly experienced general dentist who can do "a bit of everything", we do not doubt that Dr Franklin will be extremely popular with our patients.
A Brisbane local who previously ran his own practice, Dr Franklin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the practice. We caught up with him to find out more about his journey into dentistry, the aspects he likes most about being a dentist, and his two-word oral health tip.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into dentistry.
I grew up in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. After being awarded a 990 TE and the School Dux, I gained entry into Medicine - but I ended up deferring for a year because I wasn’t sure whether Dentistry, Law or Engineering would make better choices.
After going on to work in the Treasury Department for 12 months, I knew I simply had to study to reach my potential. Now, with four qualifications under my belt - two in Dental, one in Law and one Masters in Management - I can finally say I feel content!
What do you like most about working in this industry?
In my opinion, working as a dentist is the fastest way to make your day pass by, with each one filled with interesting cases and lovely people. It almost feels more like a hobby than a job.
Of course, there’s pressure in what we do - but the enjoyment to be found in helping people is intoxicating.
You recently started here at our Toowoomba practice. What are you most looking forward to about your role?
I’m very aware that when starting from scratch, it takes time to build up a ‘following’ - but I’m already finding that patients here are very keen to improve their oral health, so I aim to help them do just that.
If I can keep my patients happy, they’ll come back again and again, and hopefully refer their family and friends too.
Having run your dental practice in the past, how do you think this experience has influenced how you approach your role as Lead Dentist?
Running my practice made me more aware of the importance of having systems in place for every procedure, issue and task. I’ve seen firsthand that this can help to save time and reduce the ‘chaos’ that can occur.
I realise that time is precious for all of us, which means we need to be looking at how we can improve our efficiency and effectiveness as dental professionals, while also reducing costs.
When you’re not working, what can we find you getting up to?
On the active front, I enjoy jetskiing, as well as coaching soccer and cricket. I like catching the English Premier League on TV, as well as spending time with my family on holidays.
And of course, watching my children grow into adults is a wonderful thing.
Finally, we’d love to hear your number one oral health tip.
This one can be condensed into two words - floss daily!